Watch Constellation

Constellation is an emotionally charged drama that tells the story of the dysfunctional and complicated Forrester family in the small town of Huntsville, Alabama. The film, directed by Jordan Walker-Pearlman, features an all-star ensemble cast including Gabrielle Union, Billy Dee Williams, Zoe Saldana, and Hill Harper. The movie begins with a tragic event that rocks the Forrester family to its core - the death of matriarch Carmel (played by Theresa Merritt). Her passing brings the estranged family members back together for the funeral and uncovers a host of long-held secrets and resentments. The Forrester siblings, Helene (Gabrielle Union), Carmichael (Hill Harper), and Dorothy (Megalyn Echikunwoke), all have their own issues that they have been grappling with and are forced to confront during their time together.

As they gather to mourn their mother, they must also come to terms with the legacy that she has left behind. Carmel was a prominent figure in the Civil Rights Movement and the town's first black female mayor, and her death highlights the changes that have occurred in Huntsville since her days as an activist. The film explores some of the tensions between the older generation, who fought for change, and the younger generation, who may take their progress for granted.

The three siblings each have different relationships with their mother, and her death brings these to the surface. Helene, the eldest, is a successful lawyer who has spent years running away from her problems, including her troubled marriage to Julian (Brian White). Carmichael, the middle child, is an aspiring actor who is struggling to break into the industry and has a contentious relationship with his father, Bear (Billy Dee Williams). Dorothy, the youngest, is a rebellious teenager who resents her mother for being absent during her childhood.

As the family members navigate the funeral and the days that follow, they face a range of challenges and experiences. They confront old wounds, confrontations, and possibilities of reconciliation between siblings and against their father, Bear, who has his own demons from secret affairs throughout the years. They also discover new connections and new facets of their mother's life, including a secret letter she left behind.

The film is beautifully shot and features stunning performances from its cast. Union delivers perhaps the strongest performance as Helene, a complex character who is both tough and vulnerable. Harper and Echikunwoke also shine in their roles, while Saldana (who plays the younger version of Carmel in flashbacks) adds depth to the portrayal of the family's matriarch.

One of the movie's strengths is how it explores themes of family, identity, and the legacy of the Civil Rights Movement in a thoughtful and nuanced way. The estranged Forrester siblings have each evolved in different directions but must confront their shared past once they are together. The film also explores race and identity, as the siblings face discrimination and confront the reality that their mother had to fight for her rights.

Overall, Constellation is a moving and thought-provoking film that explores themes of family, identity, and the legacy of the Civil Rights Movement in a meaningful way. Despite its heavy subject matter, the film is human and compassionate, with moments of humor and warmth. It is a film worth watching for those who enjoy family drama and exploring the complexities of relationships.

Constellation is a 2005 drama with a runtime of 1 minute. It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 4.4 and a MetaScore of 41.